Golf hole audio guide (GHAG)

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to a golf course audio device adapted to provide an audible message upon selective activation. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a device and method of providing graphical and/or audible information on playing one or more holes on a golf course. It is envisioned that the device in accordance with the present invention be positioned on or near a golf course hole sign. An exemplary device in accordance with the present invention may be self-contained to include a power source and be user friendly.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/605,406, filed Aug. 27, 2004. The disclosure of this provisional application is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to managing play on a golf course. There have been many different improvements in the industry that address assisting golfers in navigating each hole played on a golf course. For example, golf course tee box signs and scorecards provide yardages, hazards, etc., that visiting golfers may find difficult to interpret. More specifically, the present invention is directed to providing an audio and/or a video description in proximity to the tee of each hole that enhances or replaces the usual tee box sign to clarify and supplement the information presented. Golfers, prior to playing the hole, may activate the present invention to receive a narrative description, optionally with video corresponding thereto, pointing out strategies in playing the hole.

BACKGROUND

Golf continues to increase in popularity each and every year. The millions of dollars being spent on equipment and course fees is staggering and there appears to be no end in sight. As new golfers join this sport, golf courses are recognizing the need for golfing aids that assist new golfers as well as current players that want to lower their scores. Therefore, golf related companies, which include the courses themselves, need innovative ideas to manage this prosperous market. In addition, there is a need for devices and methods that speed up play, thus permitting more rounds of golf per day and increasing the profitability of the course and enhancing the pleasure of the individual golfers.

Almost every golf publication has at least one article monthly concerning slow play on golf courses. This issue continues to impede the growth of the sport, particularly in an environment where a person's time is considered to be one of the most valuable commodities of life. Golf must address slow play to maintain and add new participants. Golf course managers understands how significantly slow play affects revenue, as fewer rounds played means less revenue generated. Although slow play may not have a single cause, anything that increases the pace of play is welcomed by the industry.

All golfers have witnessed unnecessary, time consuming, review of a course by fellow golfers. These delays may stem from studying current aids, such as the pictured golf hole (both on the scorecard and tee box), or a long explanation being given by a fellow golfer within the group. A more extreme instance may include a visiting golfer driving a golf cart far beyond the tee box to observe the hole and attempt to better understand how the pictured hazards (water, wetlands, etc.) on the scorecard and/or tee box sign will affect the tee shot.

Many golfers ponder and ask questions of more experienced fellow golfers about different aspects of the hole about to be played. Most players review/study visual representations of the upcoming hole, whether present on a scorecard, on a sign adjacent to the tee box, or on a hole layout booklet provided by the golf course. Nonetheless, there is a need to provide a concise explanation prior to playing a hole from an experienced golfer, such as, without limitation, a club professional. This may alleviate an explanation by a less experienced golfer that has left out relevant information such as in match play.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to a golf course audio device adapted to provide an audible message upon selective activation. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a device and method of providing graphical and/or audible information on playing one or more holes on a golf course. It is envisioned that the device in accordance with the present invention be positioned on or near a golf course hole sign. An exemplary device in accordance with the present invention may be self-contained to include a power source and be user friendly.

An exemplary device in accordance with the present invention, commonly referred to as a Golf Hole Audio Guide (GHAG), includes a selectively activated an audible message providing information relating to and supplementing graphical information displayed on golf course signage and printed materials (i.e., scorecards, etc). GHAG is operative to provide any golfer with information pertaining to each hole on a golf course such as, without limitation, how to play each hole on the golf course. This includes, but is not limited to, how to hit the proper tee shot, the proper yardage, the pin placement, and the distance to certain hazards such as green side bunkers or water hazards. Golfers are commonly aware that some hazards are hidden or may play considerably longer or shorter with holes having elevated greens, tree lined fairways, and high wind areas. In sum, GHAG decreases the amount of time golfers review the course layout and facilitates prompt play.

GHAG may include audio circuitry and a memory for storing the audible message. Exemplary forms of memory include one-time programmable memory that may store and recover the audible message digitally prior to playback and be erased and reprogrammed repeatedly. The memory may be preprogrammed to include the audible message or include an on-demand feature for supplementing or displacing the preprogrammed information. Certain embodiments may include a microphone, recorder, and memory operatively associated together. The recorder is operative to record an audible message received by the microphone and store the message in memory and, in an exemplary form, does so without modifying the preprogrammed audible message. GHAG may also include integrated touch audio chips that include dedicated audio circuitry on an integrated circuit that may provide substantially all audio storage and recovery functions. Touch audio chips may further incorporate an actuator on the integrated circuit to trigger playback of the stored audible message. In addition, tactile information may be provided on the actuator, where playback of the audible message occurs when the actuator is activated.

GHAG enables the management of the golf course to choose the content and how frequently the content of the audible message is amended. The information comprising the message might be updated only when the staff makes permanent topography changes (such as adding a tee box or sand trap) or on a daily/weekly basis corresponding to yardage variations and current conditions (such as greens slow/fast).

Accordingly, it is a first aspect of the present invention is to provide an audible message for clarifying the preexisting graphical information regarding golf course layout and tips for playing one or more holes on the course.

It is a second aspect of the present invention to provide an audio circuitry associated with an information dissemination device that is adapted to store and recover audible information regarding golf course layout and tips for playing one or more holes on the course.

It is a third aspect of the present invention to provide an audible speaker operatively coupled to audio circuitry and positioned on or near a golf course hole sign to selectively provide information regarding golf course layout and tips for playing one or more holes on the course.

It is a fourth aspect of the present invention to selectively disseminate relevant information regarding strategy for playing one or more holes on a golf course, where the information is disseminated in response to a golfer actuating an actuator communicatively connected to a playback device to provide an audible message.

It is a fifth aspect of the present invention to provide a self-contained device capable of being selectively actuated to provide an audible message regarding golf course layout and tips for playing one or more holes on the course, where the device is retrofitted onto or into golf course signage.

It is a sixth aspect of the present invention to provide a self-contained device capable of being selectively actuated to provide an audible and visual information message regarding golf course layout and tips for playing one or more holes on the course, where the device is retrofitted onto or into golf course signage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a frontal view of a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a frontal view of an exemplary golf course hole sign that incorporates the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a frontal view of an exemplary golf course hole sign mounted adjacent to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2 showing a schematic representation of internal components;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3 showing a schematic representation of internal components; and

FIG. 6 is an exemplary schematic block diagram of the audio section of the first exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It should be understood that the following detailed description of embodiments of the present invention are exemplary in nature and are not intended to constitute limitations upon the present invention. It is also to be understood that variations of the exemplary embodiments contemplated by one of ordinary skill in the art shall concurrently fall within the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, commonly referred to as a Golf Hole Audio Guide (GHAG) 10, includes two primary sub-assemblies, a visual section 12 and an audio section 16. The visual section 12 typically includes visual information that may include written text 20 and graphical representations. The written text 20 may include any number or combination of letters, numbers and symbols necessary to provide the information desired. The audio section 16 provides audible information to intended users, such as, without limitation, golfers on a golf course.

Referencing FIGS. 2 and 3, the GHAG 10 may be mounted on or near a golf course sign 21. The GHAG 10 is easily adapted for placement on a variety of signs and may be mounted using fastener devices 30, such as, without limitation, screws, brackets, glues, and hangers. In a more detailed exemplary aspect of the present invention, the GHAG 10 is associated with a golf course hole sign 21 to provide specific information relevant to playing that particular hole.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a golfer desirous of receiving relevant information regarding the upcoming hole activates the GHAG 10 by activating an actuator 24, such as by pressing a button. The actuator 24 is selectively in electrical and/or communicative communication with the audio section 16 and may be positioned on the face of the GHAG 10 for ease of access. The actuator 24 may be any type of closable switch contact button, keypad, electronic switch, or other device operative to communicate with the audio section. The activator 24 may also include written information 20 to prompt a golfer to activate the system 10 such as, “PUSH”.

Once the actuator 24 is activated, the audio section 16 provides audible information that may be redundant with the written text 20 or other material displayed on the visual section 12. In addition, or alternatively, the audible information may supplement the written text 20 or other material displayed on the visual section 12. For example, the audible information may include information specifically directed towards the needs of the golfer, such as, without limitation, pointing out directions, pointing out hazards, providing distance to certain hazards, providing information regarding pin placement, as well as information that may otherwise be imperceptible from the tee area.

Referring to FIG. 6, the audio section 16 includes a power supply 32, control circuitry 34, memory circuitry 36, an audio amplifier 44, a speaker 46, a computer connection 38 for loading audio-video interleaved (AVI) or other compatible audio file format, and the actuator 24 operatively associated with the control circuitry 34 to initiate playback of the audible information. Once a golfer has activated the actuator 24, a signal is received by the control circuitry 34 prompting the playback of the recorded audio information (i.e., audible message). The recorded audio information may be amplified and thereafter broadcast using the speaker 46. It is envisioned that the control circuitry 34 and the memory circuitry 36 operate in conjunction and are operative to store a digital representation of the audible message. The control circuitry 34 may require an analog to digital converter to facilitate storing the original analog information in a digital format. In such an exemplary configuration, actuating the actuator 24 is operative to initialize transformation of the digital representation into an analog signal for amplification by the control circuitry 34. An optional filter (not shown) may be associated with the amplifier 44 to filter out various noise and unwanted components associated with the digital to analog transformation.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the audio section 16 and the actuator 24 are packaged within a housing 23 to provide a thin, non-intrusive unit that is easily adaptable for integration with signs to be fabricated and as a separate stand-alone unit capable of being associated with pre-existing signs 21. In exemplary form, the GHAG 10 may comprise a 1″-2″ thick unit capable of disseminating audible messages. The housing 23 is preferably weather resistant and manufactured from a durable material, such as, without limitation polyethylene, aluminum, or other polymer, metallic, or composite materials. A housing which is integrated into a sign to be fabricated preferably blends in with the sign by, for example, fitting into a recess which is formed into the sign or by being made of a similar material as the sign. Alternatively, in another integrated design, the golf course sign itself could serve as a housing for the audio section 16 and the actuator 24, the sign containing a hollow portion therefor. The housing may include one or more holes for receiving fasteners 30 facilitating mounting the GHAG 10 to a sign. An exemplary housing dimension includes 6″×6″×2″.

The audible information may include any type of information desired to describe the hole. Messages may be loaded on AVI audio files from a computer onto each device. Each message includes the requisite details but, the length of the message is generally short. The volume of the recorded message may be manipulated by the control circuitry 34 to ensure that the volume would not disturb other golfers playing different holes on the course. The message is envisioned to pertain to one particular hole so as not to confuse the golfer with too much information and be one the order of one minute or less.

The amount of audible information stored in the memory is determined by the quality of audio playback desired and the amount of memory available. In an alternate exemplary embodiment, memory is used at a rate of not less than 4 kilobytes per second. Playback rates at or above 4 kilobytes per second provide sufficient audio playback quality. Preferably, the GHAG 10 utilizes the industry standard ADPCM (adaptive differential pulse code modulation) compression technique at an 8 kilohertz sampling rate will provide audible frequencies up to 4 kilohertz with little or no distortion. The range of a typical human voice providing information is typically below 4 kilohertz.

As noted above, the amount of memory required in the audio section 16 may be determined by the desired audio quality and length of the message. The memory circuitry 36 may be programmable and, depending on the application, the memory may be programmed prior to assembly of the audio circuitry 16 or programmed anytime thereafter. The present invention is adapted for use where each GHAG 10 provides different audible information, therefore, the memory circuitry 36 may be configured to be one time programmable or configured to be erased and reprogrammed with different audible information. The audible information may be changed by installing a new memory circuitry 36, replacing the memory component of the memory circuitry 36, or reprogramming the memory circuitry 36. It is also within the scope of the present invention that the audio section 16 be configured to record a new message without removing components of the memory circuitry 36.

The design of the GHAG 10 produces high quality audio using integrated circuit (IC) technology in a small package. Certain manufacturers produce self-contained audio playback integrated circuits with a built-in memory. Examples of such manufacturers and their products that may be used in the invention include, without limitation, COSI-Systems. Most of these devices are quite small and are adapted to be integrated with external filtering and amplification. Furthermore, certain self-contained audio IC's are touch activated and incorporate the actuator 24 thereon.

An important aspect in touch audio device applications is power consumption and memory requirements. Preferably, the power supply 32 is a battery. Although other power sources may be employed, the use of a battery provides additional flexibility in providing GHAG 10 in locations not amenable to other power sources. Thus, GHAG 10 is designed to minimize power consumption. For instance, the power supply 32 may comprise four 3 volt, type AAA alkaline batteries. Examples of alternate power sources include, without limitation, solar power sources and direct electrical power lines.

It is also within the scope of the present invention to utilize purely analog systems, such as, without limitation, those incorporating tape and tape recorders. Still further, it is further within the scope of the invention to utilize purely digital systems, such as, without limitation, MP3 player technology and digital telephone recorders.

It is further within the scope of the present invention to for the visual section 12 to provide full motion video or still video that is supplemented by the audio section 16.

Following from the above description and invention summaries, it should be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that, while the methods and apparatuses herein described constitute exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it is to be understood that the inventions contained herein are not limited to the above precise embodiment and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following proposed points of novelty. Likewise, it is to be understood that it is not necessary to meet any or all of the identified advantages or objects of the invention disclosed herein in order to fall within the scope of the invention, since inherent and/or unforeseen advantages of the present invention may exist even though they may not have been explicitly discussed herein. 

1. A method for disseminating information to golfers on a golf course comprising the step of: in the vicinity of a tee box of a golf hole, installing a device comprising control circuitry operatively coupled to an actuator operative to process recorded information and disseminate the recorded information using at least one of a visual display and an audio output upon activation of the actuator, wherein, the recorded information includes information related to play of the golf hole.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the device is either integral with a golf course hole sign or is at least part of a separate stand-alone unit which is mounted on or near a pre-existing golf course hole sign.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the information is disseminated by an audio speaker.
 4. The method of claim 4, wherein the information related to play of the golf hole is updated with the current conditions of the golf hole.
 5. The method of claim 5, wherein the current conditions include at least one of the speed of the green and the pin placement for the golf hole.
 6. The method of claim 3, wherein the information related to play of the golf hole includes at least one of how to hit a proper tee shot, the pin placement for the hole, and the distance to hazards for the hole.
 7. The method of claim 3, wherein the information related to play of the golf hole is recorded though the use of a microphone contained within or connected to the device.
 8. The method of claim 3, wherein the information is loaded from a computer onto the device.
 9. A system for disseminating information to golfers on a golf course, the apparatus comprising: a golf course hole sign; and, control circuitry operatively coupled to an actuator operative to process recorded information and disseminate the recorded information using at least one of a visual display and an audio output upon activation of the actuator, where at least one of the visual display and the audio output are mounted on or near the golf course sign.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein dissemination of information is initiated by touchable activation of the actuator.
 11. The system of claim 9, wherein the control circuitry includes at least one of an analog-to-digital converter, an amplifier, and an electronic signal filter.
 12. The system of claim 9, wherein the control circuitry includes memory for storing the recorded information.
 13. The system of claim 9, wherein the recorded information is stored in a digital form.
 14. The system of claim 9, wherein the golf course hole sign is located in the vicinity of a tee box.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the recorded information includes information describing how to play a golf hole.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the information describing how to play a golf hole is updated with the current conditions of the golf hole.
 17. The system of claim 14, wherein the recorded information includes at least one of how to hit a proper tee shot, the pin placement for the hole, and the distance to hazards for the hole.
 18. A golf course hole sign comprising: a sign portion including at least one of a depiction of a golf hole and yardage to a golf hole from the tees; and, integral with the sign, control circuitry operatively coupled to an actuator operative to process recorded information and disseminate the information using at least one of a visual display and an audio output upon activation of the actuator.
 19. The sign of claim 18, wherein the control circuitry includes at least one of an analog-to-digital converter, an amplifier, and an electronic signal filter.
 20. The sign of claim 18, wherein the control circuitry includes memory for storing the recorded information. 